Not just any dinner either.
It was hiswords-of-wisdomsend-off to me.
Even though we’d all had a send-off dinner as a family just two nights ago. It was… a thing.
More than that.
It was him worried for me and trying not to frame it that way in case it unnerved me or ruined my experience.
People thought the Almighty Necromancer, Sylas Morgrave, was unflappable and often even just a stoic Master of Death Magic, but he was a great deal more than that.
To those he allowed close to him. To our family.
Outwardly, I got why he couldn’t allow that to be known. He used that reputation to deter threats. To protect us.
To protectme.
Because of what I was—one of a kind.
In a dangerously volatile way as far as the supernatural world was concerned.
And the balance of nature for that matter.
Dad:Should I call in the cavalry?
That would be a nightmare of epic proportions.
The cavalry consisted of Pops, also known as infamous wolf-vampire hybrid, Lazriel Thaine, who would scent-track me and burst onto the scene like a wrecking ball to ensure I was well. There was Father, Cassius Ashmoor, an Immortal, who would blast his way through anything, cross any lines, just to reach me if he believed I was in danger. And Mom, Velra Nox, with her Wraith-Dark Fae abilities that could do untold damage also.
Although I knew my dad waskind ofjoking around, because he was definitely well-equipped to lay down a path of utter destruction on my behalf, I still responded swiftly—just to be safe. And because I obviously didn’t want him to worry, nor to report this to the rest of the family and have them all panicking as well.
Winter:All is well. Just lost track of time. On my way. Sorry. Be there in moments.
Dad:So, I shouldn’t order for you?
My parents were all well aware that I didn’t care for that. I was a mood eater. I couldn’t tell what I’d want until I was in the moment. Well, except when it came to my oatmeal for breakfast, then my go-to dessert of Frosted Moon Petal Cake fromVantiqewhich Mom had gotten me into. But we were talking about dinner here, which was a more complicated affair.
Winter:If you want to cause yourself unnecessary grief, go right ahead.
Dad:Don’t be a cocksucker to your sweet old dad.
Winter:You’re neither of those things, come on now.
Dad:Is that where you are?
Winter:Really, Dad?
Dad:Are you?
Winter:Am I sucking cock?
Dad:Well?
Winter:I’m currently texting you, so obviously not. We’re meeting for dinner in moments, can we… table this?
Dad:You won’t discuss it in person. I know better than that. Texts are where you’re more open.
Dad:Besides, can’t I show an interest?
